6A
FEATURES
My body’s my body
Dear Annie: My hus- with Robert and told him that
band, “Robert,” and I moved he was very infatuated with
back to our hometown sev- him when they were younger
eral years ago to help with — and one of his dying
aging parents. I went back wishes is to see him naked.
to work as a nurse, and he Robert came home all shaken
joined his father’s
up and upset and
DEAR
law firm. Upon mov-
didn’t know what to
ing back, we struck
say. Now, I have to
ANNIE
up a friendship with
tell you that Robert is
an old acquaintance
very fit for a 47-year-
of Robert’s. “Tim”
old man. He works
and Robert went to
out, runs marathons
high school together
and is very charming.
and a year of college.
But he doesn’t want
We have invited
to
accommodate
Lane
Tim and his partner Annie
Tim’s
dying
wish. I
Creators
Syndicate Inc.
over several times for
said, “Go for it. The
dinner. We have often
man is dying. Let him
gone to their house. And we enjoy his ending days — even
have spent time together at if it means you have to ‘strip’
parties and social gatherings for him.” I’m perfectly fine
of mutual friends.
with it; Robert is the one with
Tim was recently diag- the issue — Open in Oregon
nosed with an aggressive
Dear Open: Well, Rob-
type of cancer and has begun ert would be the one to take
the process of getting his issue, wouldn’t he? After all,
affairs in order. Robert has it is his body — not yours,
been gracious in helping him not Tim’s. Only Robert gets
with finances and household to say what he’s comfortable
things that need to be taken with, and he’s spoken on this
care of. He’s even stayed the subject. Now let it be. Surely,
Tim can think of another last
night when needed.
Recently, Tim had a talk wish that doesn’t involve
making a friend feel violated
and uncomfortable.
Dear Annie: I could be
the person to whom “Loud-
ness Sufferer” was refer-
ring in her letter. My voice
gets very loud. After chastis-
ing and scolding me over the
years, my friends now just
use a hand gesture that tells
me to lower my voice, and I
do. However, it doesn’t sound
any different to me. I have
had my hearing tested, and
it’s fine for my age.
It’s not a habit I can
break, as I don’t hear it. So
my friends help me keep it
in check, and that’s the best
I can do. I’m glad to know
I’m not the only one with this
problem.
Just thought I would let
you know that “Loudness
Sufferer’s” friend probably
doesn’t hear it, either. — Bar-
bara Bly
Dear Barbara: I love the
idea of the hand signal. It’s
discreet but effective. Perhaps
it’s the quick fix that will save
“Loudness Sufferer’s” friend-
ship. Thanks for the insight-
ful tip.
THE DAILY ASTORIAN • MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2018
TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE
By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). Today will present
a “try before you buy” situation in the form of an
item or an idea you can play around with awhile
before it’s decision time. You might be surprised
about what makes the cut.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). There will be a
strong inclination to rate yourself. If you must,
then grade solely on what you’ve learned. Note
that it would be ridiculous to grade yourself on
money and resources you don’t have.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Steer clear of the
“amateur therapy zone,” in which under-qualified
people are overtly attempting to fix emotional
matters. Leave it to the professionals. You can
learn a lot more in the “zone of casual relating
and observing.”
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Maybe you
don’t really have bad habits after all. Maybe you
just have a few different versions of yourself
vying for ultimate power over you, each trying to
do what will serve its unique purpose.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). It is easier to be
kind and loving when you feel safe. That’s why
erecting an imaginary bubble of psychic protec-
tion around yourself will help your interactions.
You’ll be open and empathetic, yet you’ll deflect
negativity.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You are
always creating yourself. Sometimes this occurs
in obvious, socially supported ways. But most
efforts you make are quiet and internal — deci-
sions to be braver or more compassionate and
patient.
CANCER (June 22-July 22). You won’t shy away
from confrontation; rather, you’ll strive to face it
the most effective way you can find. You won’t
mind playing “bad cop” to someone’s “good cop”
if it keeps the peace in the end.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You feel limited in
a situation, but it’s unclear whether these limits
are real. The only way to know is to test them. If
your small infraction causes an incommensurate
reaction, it’s an indication that the boundary is
false.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). It’s a little weird when
spending your money becomes a group activity.
However, weird can be good! And anyway, today
this committee approach will be way more fun
than spending your money alone.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). The kind of change
you want doesn’t just drop down from the sky or
naturally occur if you wait long enough. It has
to be made. That’s the main reason you’ll be so
busy today.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Funny thoughts can
be wise, and serious thoughts can be foolish. A
great thing about today is that it won’t be nec-
essary to categorize your thoughts in any terms
other than “helpful” or “not helpful.”
TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 23). You’ll see
loved ones more often this year, and your days
will be improved by friendship. February shows
a financial breakthrough. March brings romance
and creativity in abundance. A craving for free-
dom will lead you to new places and experienc-
es. The skill you pick up in June will continue to
enrich you for years to come. Aries and Virgo
adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 6, 10, 5, 30
and 43.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). You are stepping
into the gravitational pull of a different sphere of
influence. It could be a new crush that will get
you orbiting, or it could be an idea, project or
attractive interest that draws you ever nearer.
FRANK AND ERNEST
BLONDIE
THATABABY
SALLY FORTH
PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN
B.C.
LOLA
DILBERT
SIX CHIX
BIZARRO
MUTTS
NON SEQUITUR
BABY BLUES
WIZARD OF ID
ZITS
ROSE IS ROSE